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Tsumago

Japan Walking and Culinary Tour

Japan Walking and Culinary Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Nakasengo Trail, foraging & cooking, Buddhist temple stay, nature & local experiences.

FROM

NZ$12,150

DURATION

16 Days

Why you’ll love this trip?

  • Experience Japan’s blend of modernity and tradition.
  • Explore Japan’s rich food culture from ancient traditions to modern delights.
  • Nakasendo Trail Adventure: Follow the historic trail once traveled by feudal lords and samurai.
  • Explore the ancient capital, Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Experience Kyoto’s rich history and heritage as Japan’s former capital.
  • Stay in traditional inns and a Buddhist Monastery for an immersive experience.
  • Enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese food, including traditional meals.

What’s the Activity level?

  • Participants should have moderate fitness levels to enjoy the trip fully.
  • Expect to walk 3-4 hours on hilly terrain, covering trails of 3 to 10km in length.
  • While not solely a walking tour, the trip emphasises cuisine and local culture.
  • Comfortable walking enhances the overall experience of the journey.

What’s the transport and accommodation like?

  • Travel on variety of transportation, including planes, bus, taxis and vans
  • Stay in modern western-style hotels, Ryokan, Minshuku (traditional Japanese inns), and a Shukubo (lodging in a Buddhist temple).
  • Enjoy special and unique experiences throughout the trip.

*All our tours are non-smoking

TRIP SUMMARY

Duration: 16 days
Trip focus: A moderately active sightseeing trip exploring rural Japan
Accommodation: 7 nts hotels, 7 nts Ryokans/Onsens, 1nt Shukubo (pilgrim lodging)
Transport: Bus, train, van and taxi
Group size: Maximum 12 + Bilingual Japanese tour leader, Minimum 8
Single supplement: NZ$1,600 (guaranteed in hotels only)
Operator: This tour is run by one of our trusted local partners

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 15 nights accommodation
  • Group arrival transfer
  • All breakfasts and other meals specified on the itinerary
  • Bilingual local guide and English speaking SET guide throughout
  • Entrance to museums, temples and other sightseeing included in the itinerary
  • Tea ceremony
  • All transfers mentioned in itinerary
  • 1 suitcase or bag per person, transferred on days identified under LUGGAGE
  • Rail ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo Narita Airport
  • All taxes

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International flights and airfare taxes
  • Travel insurance, this in compulsory in order for you to take part
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to museums, temples etc not included in the itinerary
  • Visas and vaccinations
  • All items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, souvenirs etc

All prices are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN TOKYO

Upon reaching Narita International Airport, our guide will be there to greet you, and we have already arranged a group transfer to transport you to your accommodation. Once you’ve completed the check-in process, we’ll venture into the captivating streets of the city for a brief exploration and to enjoy a delightful dinner. Our welcome dinner is scheduled for tomorrow, as it aligns better with the arrival time of our flight.

Accommodation: Gate Hotel by Hyulic (or Similar)
Meals included: None

(We recommend travel on Air New Zealand flight NZ99. Departs Auckland at 8.50am, arrives Tokyo at 4.50pm)

DAY 2 – SIGHTSEEING IN TOKYO

On our inaugural day in Japan, we’ll embark on an immersive walking tour of Tokyo, commencing with a delightful journey to Tsukiji Outer Market. Afterward, we’ll venture off the well-trodden path to explore Yana and Nezu, charming areas adorned with beloved small traditional shops cherished by the locals.
In the afternoon, we’ll dedicate our time to exploring the historically significant Meiji Shrine, which played a pivotal role in Japan’s journey into the modern era. The serene grounds still host Shinto ceremonies, adding to the shrine’s cultural significance.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll reconvene for a heartwarming welcome dinner, where we can all come together and celebrate the beginning of our unforgettable journey in Japan.

Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:  Breakfast and Welcome Dinner

DAY 3 – TRAVEL TO KANAZAWA

We will embark on a train journey to Kanazawa, a beautiful city located on the Japan Sea coast. For lunch, we’ll head to the local food market, Oomi Ichiba, which is known as the “Kanazawa citizens’ kitchen pantry,” for a delightful lunch experience.
Later in the evening, we’ll have the opportunity to savor the local specialty, Kaga-ryori, for dinner. Kaga-ryori showcases the finest and freshest local seafood and vegetables, elegantly served on vibrant Kutani porcelain or traditional lacquerware crafted in Ishikawa Prefecture. It promises to be a delicious and culturally enriching culinary experience.

Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 4 – FORAGING EXPERIENCE IN GOKAYAMA

On this day, our journey takes us from Kanazawa to Gokayama, a designated World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, distinguished by their distinctive triangular thatched roofs, a unique feature of this region in Japan.
During our visit, we have the privilege of joining Ms. Ueda, a local plant hunter, to explore the picturesque mountains and gather seasonal wild delicacies. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to visit the home of Mr. Nakanishi, a local resident who cultivates a special rice variety used for brewing Sake.
The villagers will kindly guide us in the art of cooking with the treasures we collect from the mountains, transforming them into delectable local dishes. It promises to be an authentic and enriching experience, immersing ourselves in the customs and flavors of this enchanting region.

Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run guesthouse)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5 – MORNING SIGHTSEEING IN SHIRAKAWA-GO, ONWARD TO TAKAYAMA

After a traditional Japanese breakfast, we depart to visit nearby Shirakawa-go, which has its own impressive collection of Gassho-zukuri houses and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. After lunch in Shirakawa-go, we continue onwards to Takayama, nestled in the mountainous Hida region. As we arrive in Takayama, get ready to be enchanted by its beautifully preserved old town, boasting picturesque streets steeped in tradition. The authentic architecture and captivating ambiance will transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Dinner this evening will be in the Tokyu.

Accommodation: Tokyu Stay Takayama (or Similar)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 6 – MORNING MARKETS, SUSHI MAKING AND SAKE!

Join us today for a delightful culinary adventure filled with food and sake delights! We begin the day with a visit to the vibrant morning market, where we’ll explore the freshest local produce offered by the friendly farmers. Next up is an exciting sushi-making class, where you’ll learn the intricacies of creating these delicate and mouthwatering delights. The best part? We get to enjoy our own sushi creations for a satisfying lunch!
Transitioning from sushi to sake, we’ll journey to a local brewery, where the age-old art of sake brewing awaits us. Accompanied by knowledgeable brewers, we’ll witness the fascinating process and savor some of their finest sake creations.
As the day winds down, we leave the evening open for you to relish the local gastronomic delights freely. Don’t miss the chance to try the renowned Hida Beef and other enticing dishes from the region.

Accommodation: Tokyu Stay Takayama (or Similar)
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 7 – HIKE THE KAMIKOCHI WETLANDS

We leave Takayama this morning and begin the hiking portion of the trip. We travel to the biodiverse wetlands of Kamikochi. Our hike today is gentle and gives us the chance to enjoy our surroundings. After the hike we travel to our Onsen accommodation for the evening.

Walking distance: 10.2km
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 3-4hrs

Accommodation: Utsukushighara Hot Springs Onsen
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 8 – HIKE FROM KISO-HIRASAWA TO NARAI

We start the morning by uncovering the charms of Matsumoto, a captivating city renowned for its must-see attraction, the Matsumoto Castle.
Later, we venture to Kiso-Hirasawa, where our walking adventure begins. This area is celebrated for its exquisite lacquerware craftsmanship, and if luck is on our side, we might witness skilled artisans honing their craft.
Our short and enjoyable hike leads us to the picturesque town of Narai, where we will be warmly welcomed into a traditional minshuku for an authentic and immersive experience.

Walking distance: 2.5km
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 1 hour

Accommodation: Minshuku Iseya(Family-run Guesthouse)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 9 – HIKE FROM NARAI TO YABUHARA AND ONWARDS TO O-TSUMAGO

As we bid farewell to the enchanting post town of Narai this morning, we set off on our walk, embarking on an evocative journey over the Torii pass. Continuing our adventure, we reach Yabuhara, where we’ll transition to a combination of train and taxi travel, ultimately arriving at the charming village of O-Tsumago.
Nestled in O-Tsumago, a delightful traditional Minshuku awaits us for a cozy overnight stay. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable multi-course feast, crafted from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, offering an authentic culinary experience like no other.

Walking distance: 6.2km
Elevation gain: 270m ascent; 344m descent
Time required: 3 hours

Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 10 – HIKE FROM TSUMAGO TO MAGOME AND ONWARDS TO NARA

Starting from Tsumago, our journey unfolds with a delightful walk towards Magome, our final destination nestled in the enchanting Kiso Valley. This section of the Nakasendo Trail between Tsumago and Magome is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and impeccable preservation. Along the way, we’ll have ample time to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Magome and explore the charming small shops adorning the picturesque main street. Be sure to treat yourself to the delightful gohei-mochi, skewered sticky rice coated in a delectable sweet paste made from miso, sesame, and walnuts—a true culinary delight!
Our voyage to Kyoto commences with a regular train ride, followed by an exhilarating experience aboard the Bullet Train. From there, we proceed to Nara, where we’ll settle into our comfortable western-style hotel.

Walking distance: 8.3km
Elevation gain: 430m ascent; 326m descent
Time required: 3 hours

Accommodation: Nikko Nara (or Similar)
Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY 11 – SIGHTSEEING IN NARA

In Nara, we have a guided walk in the morning. Many of Japan’s greatest cultural treasures are concentrated in and around the city, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit two of these World Heritage sites, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji temple – its Daibutsu-den is the largest wooden building in the world, housing a 16-metre tall image of the Rushana Buddha in bronze and gold. There will be some free time to relax, visit a Japanese garden or wander through the old town.

Accommodation: Nikko Nara (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12 – BY TRAIN TO SPIRITUAL MOUNT KOYA

We take the scenic train to Mount Koya, situated in a bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of cedar trees high in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Tonight we stay in one of the temples and dine on shojin-ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. We visit Kongo-buji temple and walk through the vast Okuno-in cemetery. Tomorrow morning, there is an opportunity to rise early and join the Buddhist morning service.

Accommodation: Shukubo (Pilgrims Lodging)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 13 – TRAVEL TO KYOTO. TEA CEREMONY

We take the train to Kyoto and check into our hotel. Upon arrival we will learn a little bit more about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, or “reason for being” when we take part in the ancient traditions of tea ceremony. In the evening, we enjoy a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district and there is the possibility of seeing a geiko (fully-fledged geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.

Accommodation: Royal Park Hotel Sanjo (or Similar)
Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY 14 – SIGHTSEEING OF KYOTO, OKUDOSAN RICE COOKING EXPERIENCE

Our morning begins with a visit to Nishiki market, known as the kitchen of Kyoto. We explore the vibrant food stalls before moving on to experience the traditional way of making rice. Using the Okudu-san, a traditional cooking stove, we witness a method that was once central to every Japanese kitchen.
Next, we head to Nanzenji, a serene Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the mid-13th century. Afterward, we take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a picturesque route lined with craft shops, cafes, shrines, and temples along the clear waters of a small canal.

Accommodation: Park Royal Hotel Sanjo (or Similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 15 – FREE DAY IN KYOTO. FAREWELL DINNER

On our final day, the enchanting city of Kyoto beckons us to explore at our own pace, offering a plethora of options to create memorable experiences. Whether we opt to visit iconic temples and shrines, indulge in local shops for delightful souvenirs, or simply wander through the captivating streets, Kyoto ensures that we remain engaged and intrigued until the very end.
As the evening approaches, we gather for a heartfelt farewell dinner, cherishing the moments we’ve shared and creating lasting memories together.

Accommodation: Royal Park Hotel Sanjo  (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

DAY 16 – TRAVEL TO TOKYO FOR DEPARTURE FLIGHT

Your tour ends after breakfast. Today you will board the bullet train back to Tokyo and on to the airport for your journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

(We recommend travel on Air New Zealand flight NZ90, departing Tokyo at 6.30pm, arrives Auckland at 6.30am (following morning))

TESTIMONIALS

HikingSightseeingCultural ExperiencesFood and CookingTrainNature

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Kanazawa’s local food market which has attracted residents and visitors for almost 300 years
  • Learn how rice is cooked in an Okudu-San in Kyoto and visit a locally-run sake brewery in Takayama
  • Hunt for wild vegetables (Sansai) with a Sansai expert and learn traditional cooking methods with the Gokayama community
  • Village to village walking on the loveliest parts of the old Nakasendo Trail
  • Stay in monastery lodgings in the temple town of Mount Koya
  • See the exquisitely-preserved villages of Narai, Tsumago and Magome

DATES

Start Date End Date Availability Cost
16th May 2024 31st May 2024 FULL $12,150
8th May 2025 23rd May 2025 AVAILABLE $12,650
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